Only 1,000 issued in Semporna

Kota Kinabalu: Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran denied a statement by an opposition leader that the National Registration Department had issued 40,000 birth certificates in Semporna to children of illegal immigrants."There are more than 1,000 in Semporna and not 40,000 as pointed out.

The estimation of 40,000 is for the whole of Sabah, but still under process and will not necessarily be approved."

He said this at a press conference after officiating at the state level Penangguhan Bulan Bahasa Kebangasaan 2012 which was held at Palace Hotel here, Thursday.

On Dec 8, Chairman of the Sabah Reform Alliance, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin was quoted as claiming that about 40,000 birth certificates were issued to the children of illegals in Semporna in the past and called on the relevant authorities to tackle the issue.

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Nasir, who is also the Minister in charge of foreign immigrant affairs in Sabah, hoped that with his (Nasir's) explanation, the issue would no longer be politicised "as though the government is not careful in the process of documentation".

Messages sent across must be accompanied by strong and valid facts.

Refrain from repeating negativity and only bring up issues that can benefit the rakyat, he added.

As for PTI issues, Nasir said that it should be handed over to the RCI to conduct investigation. On the RCI hearing next month, he said "we will just let those authorised do their jobs.

"If opinions and clarifications are needed, it will be given."

When asked about his thoughts on the red IC status in Sabah, he said that holders of these ICs must adhere to the laws and regulations as well as the time frame which needs to be followed.

"They must go through a process.

They won't easily be able to get citizenship."

Again, Nasir emphasised on the importance to refrain from making this a political issue.

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Meanwhile, he also pointed out the importance of using the national language in everything which includes daily conversations as this shows that it is the official language.

"Although using other languages, increase the usage of Malay language."

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